Readers sent emails, left voicemails and commented online about the issues they would like us to explore with the candidates in interviews and debates prior to the Aug. 7 primaries. We have focused on the GOP primary because it is contested. Democrat Mike O'Brien will face the winner of the Republican primary in the Nov. 6 general election.

Readers asked: How are they going to stop Obamacare? What can be done to help families control rising college costs? What about immigration? But, foremost in people's minds are financial issues.

Noahitall put his question bluntly online, "Which of you will admit that real solutions to federal deficits will require some changes to social security?'

In an email Wayne Thomas wrote, "I believe the most pressing issue facing our country for the forseeable future is the overtaxation of its citizenry, and as for spending, government spending IS taxation. For years, Congress has debated for years the issue of tax "reform", which in all honesty is political speak for 'they don't know what to do.' America is hungry not for tax "reform", but a tax REPLACEMENT solution that is simple, transparent, efficient, fair, and neutral. Simply tweaking our current tax code will fix absolutely nothing: it MUST be thrown out!

"I want to hear from each of you your pro-growth, pro-job, and pro-export tax REPLACEMENT solutions for America, because you're not just representing Michigan, you're representing America, for your votes in Congress affect ALL Americans."

Duane Abbot proposes these questions: "If elected, where will your priorities lie? Specifically, will you listen and respond to your constituents, or will you be more focused on the dictates of the lobbyists in Washington? In addition, will you be signing a pledge to Grover Norquist, agreeing to defeat any and all proposals for tax increases, even if it is clear they will be needed for a balanced approach to fiscal reform and/or deficit reduction?

John Crabtree contributed several questions, "What is your opinion on how quickly we can have a balanced budget in Washington, and what steps will you take to make it happen? Are you open to cuts to military spending in order to balance our budget? Are there any "sacred cows" when it comes to spending cuts? What are your thoughts on monetary policy?"

Online, Goldwater asked a number of questions tied to financial issues, "Given the state of social security and medicare and its lack of viability for younger workers how much should current retirement and health savings vehicles be expanded? College costs also continue to escalate at nearly twice the rate of inflation — what changes should be made to allow families to save more for these expenses? Finally, is the Federal Reserve's low interest rate policy helping or hindering recovery? What should be done with our central bank cartel?"

Several readers addressed the issue of "experience," asking whether it is a benefit or if it breeds an uncomfortable familiarity and how would a newcomer change our representation.

"Hoogendyk is looking to unseat the chair of the Energy and Commerce committee and would join as an obscure freshmen. What would he do differently from Upton that would be significant enough to be a net benefit to the district considering the loss of the tremendous amount of influence we currently enjoy in congress?" said online commenter RalphTheWonderLlama.

Crabtree had additional questions on the topic asking of Upton, "You have held this congressional seat for over a quarter century, do you think that the principle of rotation in office is important?" And posing to Hoogendyk, "Do you support congressional term limits? If so would you limit yourself to a certain amount of time in Washington?"

Verlan VanRheenen in an email questioned Upton's long service and whether it had made him beholden to interest groups.

"Fred Upton seems to have lots of campaign money. I get some slick campaign info in the mail many times a week. Fred's message is always pro-energy industry, anti-energy conservation, anti-health care reform and pro-pharmaceutical industry. How much of Fred's campaign finance comes from the the energy and pharmaceutical industries or their PACs? Is big money clouding Fred's judgment?"

Two readers focused on the issue of bipartisanship and cooperation.

Matt Milcarek said online, "My question for Upton is easy: Why should we vote for you when you display a complete inability to work with others in Congress (including the Senate majority) and the White House to get moderate and reasonable legislation that our nation desperately needs passed? My question to Jack: As a representative of this district, would you be willing and capable of working with others in Congress (including the Senate majority) and the White House to get moderate and reasonable legislation that our nation desperately needs passed?"

Bill Urfer sent an email taking Upton to task for the last year's Super Committee, "Fred, why didn't you keep your people informed about the progress (or lack of progress) during the Super Committee meetings last year? As it turned out, nothing was accomplished and it was a total waist of time and money."

Some writers asked about policies and programs they perceive as impinging on civil liberties in the United States.

Raimunelar wrote, "Mr Upton, Please explain why you keep supporting legislation which is continuously eroding civil liberties like the NDAA, The trespass act and CISPA just to name a few and will you be participating in the pension plan that congress has given itself? If you would, please affirm that it is the congressional salary plus all medical for the remainder of your life, right? Mr. Hoogendyk, What would you do about the passage of these types of draconian laws that I have mentioned and would you participate in the lucrative pension system congress has set up for its members?"

Online Ray_Kirkus_401 questioned the size and scope of government, "…my question to both candidates is as follows: Are either one of you prepared to restore the federal government within the boundaries of Art sec 8, by drastically reducing its size and scope by ending spending on overseas nation building and eliminating foreign aide? Are you prepared to reign in the federal reserve and restore our liberties by eliminating the Patriot act, indefinite detention provisions within the NDAA, cease assassination of American citizens without charges or trial, whether here or overseas and keep the governments hands off the internet as this nation is quickly becoming a police state?"

Finally, Brian Smith raised several questions about one of Upton's most talked about projects: the Keystone XL pipeline, summarizing many of the criticisms coming from opponents of the project. Rep. Fred Upton has and continues to claim in mailings and TV ads (supported by the American Petroleum Institute, Mich. and U.S. Chambers of Commerce and the American Chemistry Council) that the pipeline will lower gas prices, create "hundreds of thousands of jobs," reduce American dependency on imported oil and create tax revenues.

"Why is Rep. Upton not telling the truth about the Keystone XL pipeline? And, if he's willing to mislead the public about this, what else is he not telling the truth about?" Smith said.

If you have something you would like to ask either candidate, please comment below or email your comments and questions to lmah@mlive.com. We will share the responses online and in the paper.